Filled with golden flowing rhyme, it’s a delicious read that makes music with words.
There’s a clearing in the forest where the moss and mushrooms grow,
Where three little witches gather beneath the full moon’s glow.
Eve, Florence and Sabine are best friends — the little coven, witchy friends who have each other’s back no matter what. They may be different, with different witchy talents, but together they can do anything.
Together they mix magic — whisper secrets of the soul.
And the things that make them different, when together, make them whole.
This gem of a picture book explores how friends don’t have to be the same to be friends — how our differences are a good thing and come together to make us better as a whole. It’s about deep friendship that spans time. It’s a celebration of connections that never break no matter what obstacles are thrown our way.
Each has wandered their own path, through every twist and turn.
But always to this clearing these three witches do return.
The rhyme flows gloriously in The Little Coven, adding to the witchy feel of the book. Penny Harrison’s words warm your heart as you read, reminding you of all the special people in your own world.
Illustrator Vivian Mineker injects magic, mystique and atmosphere into each page. The colour palette is exquisitely lush with deep greens and purples conveying the mystery of the forest. There are lots of hidden treasures to find as you read: darling forest creatures and smiling trees.
I love how Mineker represents the witches. Are they kids playing witches in the forest or do they actually have witchy powers? The answer is really up to you, and I love thinking about it both ways.
l also love how the coven plays as they grow, even into adulthood. It’s a beautiful message to adults to let go and find their inner child, and a message too to kids to never forget what being a kid is all about. These are small jewels hidden in the story and illustrations — subtle and almost invisible — but they add so much to the story experience.
I highly recommend The Little Coven. It’s a joy-filled and magical read that celebrates the bonds of friendship and witchy-fun.
For more great picture books by Penny Harrison, make sure you check out Extraordinary, Rainbow is my Favourite Colour, and Bronte: Me and My Boots.
Title: The Little Coven
Author: Penny Harrison
Illustrator: Vivian Mineker
Publisher: Hardie Grant, $24.99
Publication Date: 7 April 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760508128
For ages: 3 - 6
Type: Picture Books
